Howdy all! I have an 89 Fleetwood (4.5L) and I have a problem with the parking brake. It would not release so I bought a new vacuum controller that mounts on the column..still nothing. I then bought the little vacuum actuator that mounts up near the brake pedal and...now I cannot even engage the parking brake...like it it has constant vacuum to it..any suggestions?
THANKS in advance!

 

E-Brake switch maybe grounded, does the manual release lever move up and down when as vacuum is applied ?? It should move up within about two seconds to release brake when Vac. is applied. Is the engine manifold connection O.K. ??Check operation of parking brake with engine off, It should stay engaged with shift lever in any position. Adjust brake cable by putting the brake pedal down four clicks then adjust cable so you can just turn the rear wheel with both hands. Make sure the shoes are adjusted properly before starting Cable adjustment.

 

hello and thanks for the reply!
Even when the car is off, there is now a HUGE resistance when you try to apply the e-brake...so it is not engaged, but would take seemingly a LOT of pressure to push it down to engage it..sort of afraid to put that much pressure on it. before installing the new vacuum cannister deal, it pushed down and engaged fine, but would not release unless you used the manual release lever...

 

It should move up within about two seconds to release brake when Vac. is applied. Is the engine manifold connection O.K. ?

 

I appreciate ALL the help! It was actually that the u-shaped vacuum controller on the column wasn't seated properly!! ANNOYING WASTE of time! But ya gotta love messing with the old birds...Thanks again all!

 

It should move up within about two seconds to release brake when Vac.